Founded in 2017, Kett is a design studio focused on furniture with a timeless quality. The Kett indoor furniture collections are designed in Melbourne and proudly made in Australia, with a small selection of manufacturing partners in Italy.
Kett is headed by leading Australian designer Justin Hutchinson. Justin’s experience spans two decades, from production hand, in house designer, lecturer and business founder into a highly experienced Design Director looks to execute on every detail.
In 2017, Justin joined forces with Cosh Living founders Colin Kupke and Shane Sinnott to establish their uniquely Australian brand Kett. From their very first collections, Kett have gained notoriety for their marriage of crafted excellence and refined design.
The Kett team work from a design studio in the historic Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne. The Convent is a multi-arts precinct, a hub of creativity and collaboration surrounded by the tranquil, natural scenery of the Yarra River.
The Australian landscape has always been the primary inspiration for Kett. Beloved locations on the Victorian coastline were the starting point of Kett’s very first collections, and remains at the heart of their current releases. Engrossing themselves in the landscape, Kett distilled the essence of these regions into distinct lines, shapes and colour palettes that capture an unmistakable Australian sensibility. From the understory of the giant forests of Cape Otway, to the coastal grasslands of Johanna beach, each collection becomes a story of place.
‘Inside Looking Out’ is one of Kett’s core concepts. It speaks to the products enduring connection to the surrounding environment, as well as to Kett’s commitment to designing spaces that are considered across the boundaries of indoors and outdoors – so they flow seamlessly throughout the home.
“The act of drawing upon place to inform the collection allows us to bring the outdoors inside. From place we gain a sense of the importance of colours, shapes and form that are akin to a sense of our own identity.” – Justin Hutchinson
Kett focus on creating collections that are honest in their use of materials and united in their craft. Justin and his team maintain close relationships with the local makers who produce their furniture collections to ensure the quality, durability and beauty of the materials in each piece.
Many talented craftspeople across Melbourne contribute to the construction of one Kett piece.From those who create the timber frames, to the timber stainers, to the fabric houses and upholstery team, numerous expert hands are involved in the process.
“It is one of the most important things about buying Australian furniture, buying local. You aren’t just supporting the Kett brand, but you’re supporting the incredible array of local businesses that work together to achieve the end result. It’s a network of artisans that rely on each other, and one that Kett are proud to be a part of.”
Each Kett design is the result of many small innovations, producing an uncompromising level of honesty and precision. Kett endeavours to translate materials and form into a strikingly considered and timeless design.
‘Otway’ is a long treasured collection by Kett. Spanning across dining collections and lounge collections the Otway has consistent details that echo through the range. Rounded corners and simple lines combined with durable porcelain, rich timber frames and tailored upholstery helped to establish the Kett aesthetic – soft in profile and refined in approach.
Furniture by Kett is designed with the goal not just to be loved for one trend cycle, or for one home - but designed to be passed down and cared for by future generations to come.
In 2019, Kett investigated modular storage systems, to provide seamless furniture for the home or office. The result was the Frame Living System, an innovative set of modules that offers a personalised solution to furniture and joinery needs.
Hanging effortlessly from the wall, Frame Living integrates storage and technology – no messy cords or powerpoints in sight, and plenty of room to exhibit treasures and store everyday essentials. Completely made in Melbourne, the materials are free of formaldehyde, phenols, solvents, PVC or melamine. Shortlisted in one of Australia’s most notable design awards, IDEA – the Frame Living System is another development in the Kett story that is evidence of their commitment to considered, thoughtful design and local manufacturing.
Kett is available exclusively through Cosh Living.
Experience the furniture in the beautiful Cosh Living showrooms across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
All images of Kett studio & the Abbotsford Convent by Haydn Cattach.
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